JOIN THE TEAM!

Friday, April 30, 2010

Congrats again to Isabella, bead4me, for winning last month's challenge. The theme she has chosen for the June Challenge is "Phenomenon", she writes:

As I Have said before, I have found that the nature is the perfect creation, it always gives me inspiration to create some thing of my own by using the colors or the appearance. The ability to use it and let it effect our handmade creation is amazing by itself.In the last few weeks, we were all witnesses to another affect of one such Iceland volcano.Try to remember one Phenomenon that amazed you the most and transfer it to amazing beaded jewelry.

You may start your entry today and must complete and list it by midnight Etsy time, June 5, 2010!

Rules:Any style, any technique with a majority of bead weaving is welcome. Pieces submitted for the challenges should be newly-created (by you - not from a pattern) between the date the challenge theme is announced and the 5th of the month when it is due. Do not renew an existing or expired listing for the challenge.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

This spring some of our team members decided to particpate in a spring swap of beadwoven jewelry between members. Many thanks to Ester of Green Envy and Christine of Christine's Beadworks for organizing the swappee partners. I have been waiting to post the pictures of all the items so that it would be a surprise for those who had not yet received their piece. I received mine in the mail today and all I can say is (OMG) and I hope everyone is as happy with their swap as I am the bracelet and earrings made for me by Charlene of Morethansomewhat.

I am married, the mother of one daughter who will be an almost teenager soon! We live in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. I was born in Zimbabwe and lived most of my chilldhood in South Africa but am Portuguese by nationality. My family Imgrated to the United States in 1988. I work part-time at a local bead store. We live with 3 doggies, 5 cockatiels and 3 fish.

How did it come to be that you started working with seed beads?

Having lived in SA for so many years, the works that the native ladies created with seed beads always fascinated me. I love the textures that can be created with seed beads depending on the stitch and the type of beads used. When we lived in SA, there were no classes for bead weaving, so it wasn't until much later- late 1990's- that I found instructions on bead weaving and it took off from there.

How long have you been creating with seed beads?

I have been beading with seed beads since I was about 4 - just stringing seed beads on the floor of my aunts' kitchen.

Is there was any significance to the name of your shop?

My sister actually helped me to chose the name of my shop. My pieces are usually rather elaborate and I wanted the name of my business to reflect that. I had a long list of different names, but my sister and I both agreed that this would best fit what I did.

What inspires you?

Nature, color combinations, patterns, other artwork.

Do you listen to music or TV while you work?

My MP3 player has a permanent spot to the left of my workspace! I listen to it when I bead. I have yet to master the art of watching tv and beading at the same time! :0)

Do you have common colors you work with?

I like to work with natural colors that compliment gemstones and cabs. Then I'll add some metallics and or chain, pearls or Swarovski Crystal. I occassionally will work in bright colors, but the natural browns, greens, blues and reds are my most common colors.

What is your favorite color palette?

I love combining turquoise and tigereye (brown). They play well off each other.

Do you have a favorite technique? Which one and why?

Yes, bead embroidery. It frees me up to create shapes and designs without the bounderies that come with say peyote or herringbone.

Do you do shows or vending of any sort? Where?

Yes, I participate in local Art Shows here in Cincinnati. I'm hoping to add maybe one more show to the two I do already.

Do you teach beading classes? Where?

I teach privately and at A World of Beads in Tri-County and Hyde Park.

Do you sell your work in any galleries/shops? Where?

Not currently- still looking into it.

Where do you see yourself in your business in 5 years?

I hope to have my work in a few local boutique style shops and particating in more of the local art shows.

Thank you goes to all our gorgeous entries and to our voters! We really appreciate your participation!Our next challenge is Embedded Colors in the World of Insects and voting will begin for that on May 9, 2010.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Here we are in the throws of Spring, I found this nice verse that says it all:

The naked earth is warm with Spring, And with green grass and bursting trees Leans to the sun's kiss glorying, And quivers in the sunny breeze. ~Julian Grenfell

This theme was chosen by Laura, from Lauralia, the Winner of our February Challenge. To best decide the Winner, you can click on their links below the image. You can vote on your Favorite from April 9th to April 15th.

I am twice as happy to be choosing the challenge theme for April, as that is also my birth month! As a result, I absolutely love spring, and this theme was thought as a celebration of the season. It doesn't necessarily refer to a small (or weight-light) piece; just imagine something that looks as bright, delicate and gentle as the first warm breezes of spring.

About Etsy Beadweavers

Etsy Beadweavers is a group of beaders who market their creations on Etsy.com. The Beadweavers' creations are different from many of the traditional beaded items, in that they are woven from hundreds or thousands of tiny beads to create intricate designs and pictures. These weavings take the form of both art and jewelry. Each piece takes many hours to complete, with some larger pieces taking weeks or even months.

This blog is devoted to the creations of this group of talented artisans.